Planning your creativity is not, well, creative. But that’s not the hack.
A planner is the ultimate creativity hack because it gives you an outlet to express yourself.
Think about it. It’s the perfect tool to keep you organized, motivated, and inspired. Based on my own experience, having a planner helped me break out of a creativity rut.
I moved to San Diego in February 2020 and three months later, I still couldn’t find a job. I stopped by Snoice for boba and they were giving out Passion Planners with each purchase. As I pursued through it, it somehow inspired me to begin the task of filling it out. It was odd– I suddenly felt compelled to fill it out as I flicked through the pages.
I created sections for what jobs I applied for, who I needed to follow up with, when my interviews were, etc. In the empty spaces, I added color and words of affirmations that encouraged me.
Most importantly, this planner was my creativity hack and daily outlet while applying for jobs.
During my longest work gap, my planner kept me focused on my goals and became my creative outlet.
Having prepared and remained consistent, I was hired shortly after.
With the right mindset and the right tools, you could accomplish so much more. Whether you are job hunting, a working professional, a student, or anything in between, a planner is a great way to organize your life and express yourself. Regardless of how you use it, your planner adds a bit of fun and creativity to your schedule.
Without my planner as my creative outlet, I would have just played Animal Crossing all year long. (Admittedly, I still logged in an embarrassing amount of hours building the perfect island.)
With a few penciled items here and there, your planner will look bare and mundane. Adding flair to the planning process can help you visualize your tasks and goals. Consider where you want to place sections, how to personalize each day or week, what colors to use, etc. As a result, you will become more organized, productive, and focused.
These tips will help you add a little flair to your planner.
- Include a section dedicated to creativity. There’s an empty section in my planner that’s perfect for to-do lists, doodling, and other creative activities. Make a section for a creative outlet if your planner does not have one. I like to fill the emptiness with colors, photos, and stickers. You can also use it for word vomit– write whatever comes to mind. Don’t worry about making sense; just get them out of your head. Use that space to make you more refreshed, renewed, and ready to take on the challenges of the week. Become your own inspiration.
- Pick a motto to focus on every week. As you plan your week, take the time to write down one inspirational thought. Define yourself with that word for the week. For example, your word or phrase could be “patience” or “try new things.” Your motto could be anything that motivates you to be better. Refer to it whenever you need some extra motivation. You can get in the right mindset and accomplish more using this method.
- Throw in some color. Your planner will be more enjoyable if you add a little color. Color-code tasks based on the category or its priority. Categorize tasks by work-related, chores, bills, passions, workout schedules, and more. Add color to each category based on importance and finish each task as needed. Adding color will make it easier for you to take a glance at your planner and tell you what your day will look like.
- Follow the KISS Principle: Keep it simple, stupid. You don’t need to fill your planner with a ton of tasks. The planning process should motivate you, not stress you out. An overly rigid schedule is counterproductive. In my experience, I don’t accomplish half of the tasks I list. And that’s okay! Keep the details simple. Planning your week shouldn’t be a chore. If you treat it like a chore then it will eventually become one.
Whether you are a student or a creative professional, you can hack your creativity with a planner .
Procrastination is the enemy of:
- creativity
- success
- progress
- time
- dreams
Your planner will inspire you to do better. Bring passion to your work and creativity. Try it and see for yourself.
Get started with a Passion Planner. There are daily, monthly, and academic planners and an open space on each page for you to get creative with.
Disclosure: I am a brand ambassador for Passion Planner, and will receive a commission if you make a purchase through my referral link. There is no additional cost for you, and you will get a 10% discount by using my link or code ‘ALELIE1‘.